President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke during the Sunday afternoon session of April 2023 general conference. He spoke on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The following is a summary of what he said.
President Oaks’ talk summary
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in Christ, worship Him and follow His teachings in the scriptures.
Most of the scriptures reporting Jesus’ mortal ministries are descriptions of what He did.
“My message today consists of a selection of the words of our Savior — what He said,” including the following:
- “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
- “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
- “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
- “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12)
- “Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin” (3 Nephi 9:21).
“I affirm the truth of these teachings.”
Notable quotes
“We believe in Christ. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we worship Him and follow His teachings in the scriptures.”
“We are given the scriptures to direct our lives.”
“I affirm the truth of these teachings in the name of Jesus Christ.”
See the full text of President Oaks’ talk: ‘The Teachings of Jesus Christ’
Who is President Oaks?
- President Dallin H. Oaks was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984 and as the first counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018. This year, he became the 19th latter-day apostle to reach the age of 90.
- President Oaks was a law clerk to U.S. Chief Justice Earl Warren and served as a Utah Supreme Court justice until his call to apostleship in 1984.
- As president of Brigham Young University from 1971 to 1980, he oversaw the creation of the J. Reuben Clark Law School and the graduate business school.
- President Oaks and his late wife, Sister June Dixon Oaks, are the parents of six children. She died July 21, 1998. On Aug. 25, 2000, he married Sister Kristen M. McMain in the Salt Lake Temple.
What has President Oaks done recently?
- During the October 2022 general conference, he spoke of helping the poor and distressed — not just what the Church is doing but what is being done worldwide.
- Speaking to local Church leadership in Chicago in February, President Oaks spoke about why Latter-day Saint leaders supported the Respect for Marriage Act. He also encouraged Latter-day Saints to be united and kind. He posted about his trip and messages on social media.
- President Oaks celebrated his 90th birthday on Aug. 12, 2022.
Read more of President Oaks’ general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
